According to legal provisions, family members of detainees are not allowed to visit the detainee before the court's judgment takes effect in a criminal case. They can only entrust a lawyer to visit him, and family members are allowed to visit after the judgment takes effect.
According to the description of the problem, it is possible that after the appeal against the first-instance judgment, the second-instance court reviewed the case and made a second-instance judgment without holding a trial. The second-instance judgment is final and effective from the date of service. Effectively, the detention center will notify family members for visits.
In addition, since there is already a defender, the family members can directly learn about the specific situation from the defender. The defender should have the judgment or ruling of the second instance court, and should also understand the progress of the case.
"Criminal Procedure Law"
Article 223: When the people's court of second instance hears the following cases, it shall form a collegial panel and hold a hearing:
( 1) Appeal cases in which the defendant, private prosecutor and his litigation agent raise objections to the facts and evidence found in the first instance, which may affect the conviction and sentencing;
(2) Appeal cases in which the defendant is sentenced to death;
(2) Appeal cases;
(3) Cases in which the People’s Procuratorate lodges a protest against the judgment;
(4) Other cases that should be heard in court.
For cases where the people's court of second instance decides not to open a hearing, it shall interrogate the defendant and listen to the opinions of other parties, defenders, and agents ad litem.
The people's court of second instance may hear appeals and protest cases at the place where the case occurred or where the people's court of first instance is located.
Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on the Application of the "Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China"
Article 324: If a case of second instance is not heard in court in accordance with the law, the defendant shall be interrogated , listen to the opinions of other parties, their defenders, and litigation agents. All members of the collegial panel shall review the papers and, if necessary, submit written opinions on the review.